Flag symbolises Lockyer Valley spirit

NATIONAL Flag Day celebrations took on special significance this year as Governor-General Quentin Bryce visited the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre to unveil the flood flag and highlight the Australian spirit of the community.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor Steve Jones said the presentation of the flag was an important metaphor in the flood recovery.

“It’s very important because during the floods and after, the Australian flag was displayed throughout the valley,” Cr Jones said.

“This particular flag was retrieved by the army after the flood and was given to the Prime Minister, who displayed it in the Great Hall at Parliament House for some months, and eventually, when I was there for the National Local Government Conference, called me down and presented it to me.

“To unveil the flag today is very symbolic of the destruction of the floods and the resilience of the people who were affected.”

Ms Bryce said the muddy flood flag had become a reminder of the origins of the Australian flag.

“Our flag was first flown September 3, 1901 and since that time it has been raised in joy and lowered in sadness,” she said.

“I am sure the symbolism of the flag is not lost on the people of the Valley.

“It serves as a memento of the January floods and a reminder of the resilience of those who were flood affected.”